`No Pass, No Play` Education-priority Bill Clears Legislative Hurdle

April 17, 1986|By Linda Kleindienst, Tallahassee Bureau Chief

TALLAHASSEE — Reading, writing and `rithmetic would have to come first with Florida students who want to play football or march in the school band under a ``no pass, no play`` bill adopted by a House subcommittee Wednesday.

Sponsored by Rep. Larry Hawkins, D-Perrine, the measure (HB 878) would require students to maintain a 1.5 grade point average and pass all their courses to be able to participate in any extracurricular activity. The bill passed the House Education subcommittee by a 5-2 vote. The same bill has been filed in the Senate by Education Committee Chairman Curtis Peterson, D- Lakeland, but has not been acted on.

``The purpose is to establish our education priorities in this state and that is, classroom activity should rank first,`` said Hawkins, a candidate for education commissioner. ``First you learn to read and write and then you can march in the band.``

The state currently requires that students maintain a 1.5 average and fail no more than two courses if they want to take part in extracurricular activities the following semester.

``You can fail English and math, get a D minus in science, a D minus in history, a C minus in art, an A in music, an A in physical education and you can participate in extracurricular activities. To me, that`s wrong,`` Hawkins said.

The bill would take effect next January, requiring students to pass their fall classes this year if they want to participate in sports during the spring 1987 semester.

Patterned after a recently enacted Texas law, the bill has drawn stiff opposition from the state`s major school districts, including Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Opponents say it will encourage students who fare poorly in the classroom to drop out of school and increase pressure on teachers to pass student athletes. They say that under the present system teachers are already being asked to change grades after they are posted.

``One of the concerns of my local school board is that this will create a situation where a student who cannot meet a passing grade would be encouraged to drop out of school,`` said Rep. Joe Titone, D-Coral Springs. He later voted in favor of the bill, however.

Unlike the Texas law, which has drawn nationwide attention, Hawkins` bill would give students the opportunity to improve their grades with extra work after a semester ends.

To help sell the concept in Florida, Hawkins has requested the aid of some sports role models, such as Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. In a letter supporting the ``no pass, no play`` concept, Paterno wrote, ``Even though from time to time (students) may falter overall, what Larry is proposing will really help them understand what they have to do educationally.``

Hawkins has sent letters to the state`s 67 public school superintendents along with state university coaches and presidents seeking their support for the measure.

Testimony against the bill was scant. Indeed, the strongest opponent -- the Florida Athletic Association -- did not appear at the hearing. But the group may bring in more help before the issue is debated in full committee.

Dr. Donald Van Fleet, executive assistant to the Pinellas County school superintendent, said under the present state regulations, 29 percent of the county`s 95,000 students cannot participate in extracurricular activities. Under Hawkins` bill, 37.8 percent would be ineligible.